The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has offered nearly 50,000 veterans emergency suicide prevention care free of charge. In the inaugural year of this policy, the department saved service members and veterans over $64 million in healthcare costs.

According to a press release by the VA, the new policy ensures that veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts can access up to 30 days of residential or emergency room care without any financial burden. The policy also covers outpatient care for up to 90 days and any transportation costs that may occur. These benefits are available to all who have served the United States, regardless of their enrollment status with the VA. "There is nothing more important to VA than preventing Veteran suicide — and this expansion of no-cost care has likely saved thousands of lives this year," stated VA Secretary Denis McDonough. "We want all Veterans to know they can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they are."

Data from the Stop Soldier Suicide website reveals that veterans face a 57% higher risk of suicide compared to civilians who have not served. It was discovered that 6,146 veterans took their own lives in 2020, marking 20 consecutive years where more than 6,000 veterans committed suicide annually. For post-9/11 veterans, suicide is the second leading cause of death, accounting for 22.3% of all deaths within this group. Besides suicide prevention, ensuring stable housing for veterans is also a pressing issue as 9% of adults experiencing homelessness in America are veterans - a significant proportion being over the age of 51.

The White House reports that part of the Unity Agenda plan implemented by the current administration focuses on supporting American Veterans and their families. Under this plan's Governor's Challenge initiative, $10 million was allocated to provide federal resources across 49 states and five territories nationwide aiming at reducing veteran suicide rates.